Category :Reviews

Pure+Simple’s co-founder wrote a book on natural beauty, Beauty: Pure+Simple, and it’s been named the 2013 Gold Medal winner of the Living Now Awards in the US for the category of healing arts/Body Work/Energy Techniques.

I was honored to be sent a complimentary copy of the book.  I love the services Pure+Simple offers *read my review of their Deluxe Aquabrasion facial here* and am of course eager to read any book that can educate me further in the area of natural health and beauty.

Kristen Ma’s book relies heavily on Ayurvedic studies with some Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It’s interesting to read about Ayurvedic medicine, as I know very little about this philosphy on health and beauty. 

But what I most like about this book is how it breaks things down.  It’s easily and clearly explains those things that we all should know but never really have a chance to learn along the way.  Like, why we need steps like cleansing, toning and moisturizing.  What’s the difference between all those exfoliators. 

It explains how our skin works, and what exactly happens in skin conditions.  It’s very informative, and teaches us all those things that we think we know, but don’t really.  Like the difference between a night and day cream and why both are good.

Personally, I appreciate this back to basics and skin care defined from the ground up approach.  There’s a lot of things that this book has clarified for me.  And it’s nice to read it all coming from a natural skincare pro. 

I think it’s a great gift idea for some of my girlfriends this season.

 Now with Fall here and the weather changing, most people are struggling with some sort of skin issue.  Dehydration being the most common.  Being a woman with sensitive, dry and acne prone skin is challenging, but products with organic and natural ingredients, like the ones Pure+Simple offers, have been my absolute saving grace. 

Pure+Simple offers a wide array of services too.  Recently I was invited to try their Deluxe Aquabrasion  Facial.  It definitely seemed right up my alley.  Not only is it great for the lymphatic system, but it’s like a softer, gentler version of microdermabrasion.  I’ve had microdermabrasion, and it’s too much for my sensitive skin.  I stay red and sore for days and I find that it’s too painful.  So you can see the appeal of a service that promises clarity of complexion, hydration, and a deep clean without the irritation. 

Arriving at the Yorkville spa is like stepping into a peaceful cone of silence off the busy streets of Toronto.  The location is bright and peaceful and the staff is full of smiles and very welcoming.  My appointment was with Samantha, and she came out to greet me and take me into the treatment room.  The rooms themselves are dimly lit and a warm chocolate brown.  Everything to promote relaxation by invoking a cozy and sleep time atmosphere. 

Samantha was excellent.  She asked me questions to ascertain what my skin was like and the difficulties I had, then inspected it herself.  She walked me through every step of the process so that nothing was shocking or unexpected.  But she was also politely quiet, gaging whether I was in a talkative mood or just wanted to relax in silence.  I was in a talkative mood. 

So we talked.  We talked about the facials and the products, all while I became more and more relaxed through the treatment. By the way, her favorite products are the Pure+Simple Hydration Serum and the Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel *side note: Pure+Simple ships to all of North America*  Finally, the aquabrasion part came up. 

It’s a cold stream water solution that cleans your skin and blasts away the dead skin cells.  It’s so gentle while it’s happening that you seriously doubt whether it’s actually doing any good.  My sensitive skin loves it and it never screamed at me, which is rare. Once that part was done she applied a restorative mask and left the room to allow me to relax and let it soak in. 

And I fell asleep.  Let me say that again, I fell asleep.  As a woman who has been having trouble sleeping for the last two months, and takes melatonin to help her get to sleep, this is huge.  I fell asleep. It was that relaxing. 

Relaxation and an incredible skin treatment is the initial benefit, but the real benefit came the day, and days, after.  My complexion is smoother, softer, and clearer of blackheads and all that other fun stuff *you know what I’m talking about*

Honestly, treat yourself to the aquabrasion.  It’s divine! We could use it at this time of year, or anytime really. Oh, and might I suggest signing up for their newsletters as they have a different facial/service on special every month.

I get into bed all frazzled and stressed from the day I’ve had.  Then my hand happens to gently caress the pillowcase beneath my hair, and, “Ahhhhhh.”  Immediately I’m taken into a much softer, and gentler world. 

It may sound silly, but that’s how I feel every time I touch my Savvy Sleeper pillowcase.  It’s not the first time I’ve heard that sleeping on satin is better for your hair and skin.  I’ve heard it a lot, but I was always wondering as to it’s truth.  And Holy Batman, I think it’s true!

It’s supposed to help calm frizz and prevent split ends.   Since Dale sent me a case last week, I can’t say as to it’s efficacy regarding the split ends  *we’ll see at my next haircut*  but I can say that it has made my hair smoother when I wake up.  Silky smooth, dare I say?   Though, I’m lucky enough to not have huge issues with frizz, all I can say to all the foxy ladies with curly hair is, “Get yourself one of these.”

And those lovely darling sleep lines that I never show you?  Yeah, they’re a lot better too.  Who knew.  Though I will return to the main point mentioned above.  I feel like utter royalty when I slip into bed and feel the soft satin against my cheek.  I’ve no doubt it helps me get a good night sleep.  And for our health and beauty there’s no better thing.

Even Drake, the dog, has upped his game when it comes to trying to sleep on my pillow.  The little black fur ball is frequently chased off after sneaking his way under the covers. 

Thank you Dale for this transformation.   And here’s the awesome thing, you can get a Savvy Sleeper of your own!!  Dale is giving away a satin pillowcase of your very own.  You can have this amazingly soft pillow to catch your head every night too!

 Enter with the widget below.  Plus, I’m also giving away a little ad space.  You know, as the cherry on your sweet dreams sundae…..now, I’m hungry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway